Can your skin heal from a bad retinol reaction or is the damage permanent?

When starting any retinol or topical retinoid treatment we recommend being very cautious about other potential irritants you are using. The combination of retinol, vitamin C, and AHA can be great when you are well acclimated, but can be extremely irritating (for some people) when first starting. Try switching to a very gentle, healing regimen until your skin recovers (gentle non-soap cleanser, heavier gentle moisturizer, and zinc oxide sunscreen). After all irritation subsides try starting your retinol slowly (a couple times a week), and increasing as tolerated. Do not apply when your skin is warm (immediately after cleansing or working out), and avoid upper eyelids. Be cautious and sparing on more sensitive areas around nose/mouth, under eyes, and neck. Do not use vitamin C, scrubs, toners, or any potential irritating products while you are acclimating. After your tolerability increases you can slowly add them back into your regimen.